What is a twitching eye?

A 'twitching eye' or an 'eye twitch' is when your eyelid quickly moves a little. It can happen because of muscle spasms in your eyelid. The word 'spasm' means a sudden movement in one or more muscles.

A twitch in the eye can happen to anyone. It is not normally painful, but it can be very annoying.

Eye twitches are usually harmless. Most of the time the twitch is mild and goes away on its own.

What are the symptoms of a twitching eye?

A twitching eye is when you feel a movement around your eye that you cannot control. It can be in your eyelid or in the parts of your face that are close to your eye. It can feel like a very fast shaking.

It can happen on your upper eyelid or lower eyelid or both. Sometimes the twitching lasts for a short time, but it can last for hours or days.

What causes a twitching eye?

It can be hard to know exactly what causes an eye twitch. Things that can cause or trigger eye twitches include:

• stress
• fatigue (tiredness)
• eye strain
• dry or irritated eyes
• excess caffeine or alcohol
• some medicines

Sometimes, irritation of your eye or inner eyelids can cause twitching.

If your eyelids close involuntarily, you may have 'blepharospasm'. This can last for seconds or hours. Blepharospasm affects the muscles around your eyes.

Very rarely, serious eyelid spasms may be a sign of a nerve disorder.

How is the cause of twitching eye diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and general health. They will also check what medicines you are taking.

Your doctor will look at your eye and do a general physical examination.

Your doctor may recommend you see a specialist if your eye twitch lasts a long time or becomes very uncomfortable. Depending on your symptoms, they may refer you to an:

• ophthalmologist (eye specialist)
• neurologist (doctor who specialises in conditions affecting your nerves and brain)

When should I see my doctor?

Most eye twitches are mild and go away on their own. It's important to see your doctor if:

• the twitching lasts for 2 weeks or more
• the twitching closes your eyelid
• the spasms also happen in other parts of your face or body
• you have droopy eyelids
• your eyes are red, swollen, or discharge (fluid) is oozing from them
• you think your twitching eye may be caused by a medicine you are taking

How is twitching eye treated?

Most eye twitches are mild and do not last long. There is usually no treatment needed.

Self-care at home

If you have a twitching eye, it may help to:

• get enough sleep
• try to relax
• rest your eyes
• manage your stress
• Avoid or cut down on caffeine and alcohol

Medicines for eye twitching

If dry eyes trigger your eye twitching, you may get some relief from eye drops for dry eyes. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about eye drops that may be suitable.

Other treatment options

If you have been diagnosed with blepharospasm, botulinum toxin type A injections (such as Botox) may be given to reduce the spasms.

Talk to your doctor or specialist about the risks and benefits of this treatment.

Can twitching eye be prevented?

You can try to keep a diary to work out if there is a trigger for you eye twitching. You may be able to prevent a twitching eye by avoiding your triggers.

Resources and support

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists has information on eye conditions.

You can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.